Abstract
Objective: To report a case of melee weapon wound in the chest, with the presence of a foreign body concealed. Case report: Young adult patient, with penetrating chest trauma, transferred from the interior of the state and received, approximately six hours later, in hospital in the capital, with a melee weapon wound in the posterior chest. He reported chest pain, had patent airways, preserved ventilation and oxygenation, hemodynamically stable, Glasgow coma score of 15, torso injuries. Radiography showed a metallic object inserted in the chest. Computed tomography showed a metallic object transfixing the posterior chest wall with lung injury. Indicated exploratory thoracotomy for appropriate approach, we obtained definitive treatment successfully. Final considerations: chest melee weapon wounds are relatively common. They mainly affect young men and are associated with violence. For the diagnosis of lesions, the computed tomography are accurate. It is necessary to have a concise diagnosis, ensuring ventilation before any definitive intervention.